I actually really like Van's. I was surprised to see so many other poor reviews for this location. Yeah, the food is a little steep for the portions, but bbq usually is. The service also isn't anything to write home about, but it's an order at the counter, get your own drink, clear your own table place. Not sure what more you can ask for other than for them to take your order, get it right, and give you the food....so, anyway. I do think that Van's has the best ribs and chicken in town. I make this a regular stop on my vists and usually dine in since it's clean, easy, and one of the nicer places in town. The okra is also tasty and they have a few more side options than other bbq places.
(5)
Christina S.
WORST SERVICE!! My sandwich was completely wrong so I went up to the counter and told them. The "cook" walked over to the computer screen hit up then told me it said hot links on his screen. Making me feel like it was my fault!! I asked for a manager and he said he was the manager. I was speechless! Will not be going back to this place EVER again, customer service is EVERYTHING!
(1)
Jeff B.
The one time I think rib crib might be better. Food was really dry, coleslaw was like eating plain cabbage, the fries tasted like they had been sitting for awhile. And my wife's brisket was like beef jerky. Baked bend were good though. Won't return.
(1)
Rich R.
I have to agree with almost every other review. I'd love to rate Vans higher as it was my first time there and the food was good. But I can't go higher simply because of the customer service. To make a long story short I asked about a menu item and received a blank stare from the clerk. I explained my question again and got an explanation that had nothing to do with what I had asked. Do I ask again? No, I gave up and ordered a simple pork sandwich. Ordering complete, I did receive fresh food very quickly. We had the pork sandwich and a Reuben with fries. As far as the food went it, it was really good, hence why I'd love to rate it higher. It wasn't the best BBQ around but the sauce was really unique any very tasty. The Reuben was very good and I enjoyed the fries as well. A hint, with these kind of real fries, if they aren't fresh they get soggy, but no complaints here as they were hot and fresh. I will return I I'm ever in the area looking for a quick sandwich. I may even buy a jar of sauce. Too bad the clerk wasn't a little sharper, as I really would have liked to rate higher.
(3)
Dwayne H.
I've lived in Shawnee for over 10 years and love BBQ. Here is my problem with the Van's on Harrison. The management is awful. The food is decent. Several times I have been very specific in what I would like as far as meats. When I very nicely questioned what I was given I was basically told suck it up and eat it.
(1)
M J.
Wish I could rate higher. But despite a couple of chances given, place is STILL just an average bbq joint. Folks friendly. Prices a bit steep and I got a kick out of their black tape covering up the beef brisket prices with a proviso that they still "had it but prices changing"...LOL I'm sure that means higher as time passes. Portions a bit skimpy. Had the two meat platter or plate with two sides and toast. There were only two ribs on the plate, but they were better than the small portion of brisket. The brisket was tender but not really that much taste without the sauce. The sauce is like most people say here........Carolina "like" but not exactly either. A little thinner than most local sauces but not as "tomatoey". Good because without the sauce the brisket would have been really, really bland. But like I said, though skimpy on their portions (2) the ribs were good, tender and tasty. Sides also well seasoned and come in what I call "small soup cups". You can tell that they season and fix their own bbq baked beans. Worth it to visit if visiting Shawnee for another reason like casinos. But otherwise definitely NOT worth the extra mileage of time to visit from Oklahoma City.
(3)
Wendi G.
Absolute worst sandwich EVER!!! Picked up the Big Van the bun was so soggy the whole sandwich fell apart! And the girl at the counter pink streak in her hair was just rude ... I asked for a small salad BROWN LETTUCE!!!!! I give a star MINUS!!!
(1)
Clara G.
They use to be the best bbq place around here but in the past couple of years they've gone down hill. They're my second to last choice for bbq now (right before firelake smokehouse)
(3)
Joe N.
A super place to jump in and out for quick take out barbecue here was decent, but definitely no Texas style. But will do until I get back home, ha ha. Staff here very nice and friendly, open dining room, very spacious. On my long stays out the Lone Star State. I will be visiting here again.
(4)
Britni M.
The food here is good! Only complaints I have are the girl that took our order was unfriendly, they would have gotten 5 stars otherwise !
(4)
Raquel R.
Always love the food but service needs works. Rude unfriendly service a majority of the time.
(3)
Daniel R.
The beef brisket was a bit dry and the fried okra had a bit too much batter. The slaw and bread & butter pickles were excellent. If I'm ever back in the area I'll try the pork.
(3)
Gary M.
The ribs were very dry and greasy. Usually they are better than tonight. Service was very quick. Twice baked potato was very good as was the baked beans.
Ordered 3 meat combo. Chopped beef which was very tasteless, sliced brisket which was OK at best, lacked flavor and polish link. This was not very good. 2 came to the order, stopped after 1st bite. Beans bland. Cole slaw flavorless. Was disappointed after all the hype I heard about this place. Maybe it was a off night.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Trish J.
I actually really like Van's. I was surprised to see so many other poor reviews for this location. Yeah, the food is a little steep for the portions, but bbq usually is. The service also isn't anything to write home about, but it's an order at the counter, get your own drink, clear your own table place. Not sure what more you can ask for other than for them to take your order, get it right, and give you the food....so, anyway. I do think that Van's has the best ribs and chicken in town. I make this a regular stop on my vists and usually dine in since it's clean, easy, and one of the nicer places in town. The okra is also tasty and they have a few more side options than other bbq places.
(5)Christina S.
WORST SERVICE!! My sandwich was completely wrong so I went up to the counter and told them. The "cook" walked over to the computer screen hit up then told me it said hot links on his screen. Making me feel like it was my fault!! I asked for a manager and he said he was the manager. I was speechless! Will not be going back to this place EVER again, customer service is EVERYTHING!
(1)Jeff B.
The one time I think rib crib might be better. Food was really dry, coleslaw was like eating plain cabbage, the fries tasted like they had been sitting for awhile. And my wife's brisket was like beef jerky. Baked bend were good though. Won't return.
(1)Rich R.
I have to agree with almost every other review. I'd love to rate Vans higher as it was my first time there and the food was good. But I can't go higher simply because of the customer service. To make a long story short I asked about a menu item and received a blank stare from the clerk. I explained my question again and got an explanation that had nothing to do with what I had asked. Do I ask again? No, I gave up and ordered a simple pork sandwich. Ordering complete, I did receive fresh food very quickly. We had the pork sandwich and a Reuben with fries. As far as the food went it, it was really good, hence why I'd love to rate it higher. It wasn't the best BBQ around but the sauce was really unique any very tasty. The Reuben was very good and I enjoyed the fries as well. A hint, with these kind of real fries, if they aren't fresh they get soggy, but no complaints here as they were hot and fresh. I will return I I'm ever in the area looking for a quick sandwich. I may even buy a jar of sauce. Too bad the clerk wasn't a little sharper, as I really would have liked to rate higher.
(3)Dwayne H.
I've lived in Shawnee for over 10 years and love BBQ. Here is my problem with the Van's on Harrison. The management is awful. The food is decent. Several times I have been very specific in what I would like as far as meats. When I very nicely questioned what I was given I was basically told suck it up and eat it.
(1)M J.
Wish I could rate higher. But despite a couple of chances given, place is STILL just an average bbq joint. Folks friendly. Prices a bit steep and I got a kick out of their black tape covering up the beef brisket prices with a proviso that they still "had it but prices changing"...LOL I'm sure that means higher as time passes. Portions a bit skimpy. Had the two meat platter or plate with two sides and toast. There were only two ribs on the plate, but they were better than the small portion of brisket. The brisket was tender but not really that much taste without the sauce. The sauce is like most people say here........Carolina "like" but not exactly either. A little thinner than most local sauces but not as "tomatoey". Good because without the sauce the brisket would have been really, really bland. But like I said, though skimpy on their portions (2) the ribs were good, tender and tasty. Sides also well seasoned and come in what I call "small soup cups". You can tell that they season and fix their own bbq baked beans. Worth it to visit if visiting Shawnee for another reason like casinos. But otherwise definitely NOT worth the extra mileage of time to visit from Oklahoma City.
(3)Wendi G.
Absolute worst sandwich EVER!!! Picked up the Big Van the bun was so soggy the whole sandwich fell apart! And the girl at the counter pink streak in her hair was just rude ... I asked for a small salad BROWN LETTUCE!!!!! I give a star MINUS!!!
(1)Clara G.
They use to be the best bbq place around here but in the past couple of years they've gone down hill. They're my second to last choice for bbq now (right before firelake smokehouse)
(3)Joe N.
A super place to jump in and out for quick take out barbecue here was decent, but definitely no Texas style. But will do until I get back home, ha ha. Staff here very nice and friendly, open dining room, very spacious. On my long stays out the Lone Star State. I will be visiting here again.
(4)Britni M.
The food here is good! Only complaints I have are the girl that took our order was unfriendly, they would have gotten 5 stars otherwise !
(4)Raquel R.
Always love the food but service needs works. Rude unfriendly service a majority of the time.
(3)Daniel R.
The beef brisket was a bit dry and the fried okra had a bit too much batter. The slaw and bread & butter pickles were excellent. If I'm ever back in the area I'll try the pork.
(3)Gary M.
The ribs were very dry and greasy. Usually they are better than tonight. Service was very quick. Twice baked potato was very good as was the baked beans.
(2)Andrew B.
Brisket - dry. Pulled pork - delicious. Ribs - heavenly.
(3)Chad F.
Ordered 3 meat combo. Chopped beef which was very tasteless, sliced brisket which was OK at best, lacked flavor and polish link. This was not very good. 2 came to the order, stopped after 1st bite. Beans bland. Cole slaw flavorless. Was disappointed after all the hype I heard about this place. Maybe it was a off night.
(2)